Internship: Software Engineering of Python Open-Source API

NI is one of the leading manufacturers in the field of Software Defined Radios (SDR). A core software component is USRP Hardware Driver (UHD), which provides a tight integration between a high-performance C++ API and a Python interface. However, the existing Python API does not fully align with modern Python standards. 

The goal of this internship is to modernize the API, improve developer experience, and integrate it into a consistent documentation ecosystem. You will be guided by an experienced mentor. 

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

• Modernize Python bindings (pybind11) with Pythonic interfaces and docstrings
• Introduce type hints and improve IDE usability
• Enable compatibility with NumPy 2.x and modern Python versions
• Integrate Python documentation into Doxygen/Sphinx pipelines 
• Refactor the Python abstraction layer 
• Add basic tests and usage examples

Who You Are:

• You are passionate about software engineering and like to learn and work with the latest technologies and tools. 
• You can manage your time well and reach out to mentors with questions to help drive progress and completion of goals and tasks. 
• You work effectively in a group environment, problem-solve, and diagnose technical issues and propose reasonable solutions.

For This Role, You Will Need:

• Ongoing academic studies in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Information System Technology, Computer Science, or similar field of studies (Bachelor’s: from the 5th semester onwards)
• Programming experience in Python and/or C++ 
• Basic understanding of software engineering practices (version control, testing, build systems)
• Interest in API design and developer experience
• Good command of spoken and written English and/or German
• Availability for 4-6 months starting in October 2026
• This internship must be a mandatory part of your studies

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

• Experience with Python (type hints, packaging, NumPy)
• Familiarity with C++ and pybind11
• Experience with build systems, e.g., CMake, and CI/CD systems
• Basic knowledge of linear algebra or RF engineering
• Ability to work independently in a structured way
• Committed, team-oriented approach to work
• Analytical thinking and a high degree of initiative

Our Culture & Commitment to You:

We attach great importance to your development, so we want to make sure that you not only find a challenging job with us, but also a workplace that is supportive and rewarding. You'll receive structured onboarding as well as dedicated support from professional mentors. 

Practical expertise imparted:
•    Work on a real-world software project with practical impact
•    Gain experience in API design and mixed-language systems
•    Opportunity to improve developer tooling and usability
•    Get insights into how the day-to-day business looks like for an engineer
•    Work in an international R&D team 

In addition, you can expect a variety of attractive employee benefits:
•    Fair compensation
•    Flexible working hours
•    Team events and free drinks, fruits, and veggies

We are committed to providing an inclusive, open, and welcoming workplace environment for people, helping all to make the most of their professional potential.

Are you interested?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application via our application portal, including motivation letter, CV, compulsory internship certificate from your university’s internship or examination office, most recent certificates and grade transcripts.

National Instruments Dresden GmbH
Ms. Nataliia Verbylo
Am Waldschloesschen 2
01099 Dresden
Germany